Apparatus for display/memo board

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system for a memo/display board includes a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side. There is an elongated slot within the top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. Writing surfaces include paper, dry erase, wet erase, and chalkboard surfaces for use with various writing utensils.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/491,001, entitled Write-On Wipe-Off Apparatus, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for display/memo board. The terms “display board”, “memo board” and “display/memo board” can be used interchangeably herein. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a framed display board or memo board that can use various writing surfaces or display interchangeable backgrounds.

Memo boards, display boards, message boards, chalk boards, white boards, and similar devices are generally well-known. A primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to improve over the state of the art.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a slotted frame that allows different images or backgrounds to be used in a display/memo board.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a product that can be customized by the consumer.

A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a display/memo board that can accept standard sized paper.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a frame for a display/memo board that can be used with a variety of writing surfaces.

A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a display/memo board that can be easily attached to different surfaces.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide a system for a display/memo board that accommodates various types of writing utensils.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Specification and claims that follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for framing a surface is provided. The frame includes a top, a bottom, a first side, and an opposite second side. There is an elongated slot within the top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. A magnetic backing is operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the frame to a refrigerator surface or other metallic surface. There is also a rigid body associated with the frame that inserts into the frame to substantially fill the frame in order to provide stability. The present invention allows for there to be many different types of writing surfaces inserted into the frame. These writing surfaces can include a paper surface, a chalk board surface, a dry eraser surface, a wet erase surface, or other surfaces. The rigid body can be made of a transparent material, such as a transparent acrylic for covering and protecting a paper insert.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongated slot within the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface. There is a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removeably connecting the frame to a metallic body. A rigid body disposed within the frame to substantially fill the frame. A writing surface is also positioned within the frame and there is at least one writing utensil associated with the writing surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a marker with a clip according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view showing the slot according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5D are sectional views illustrating various configurations of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention configured for use with chalk.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a clip with eraser according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention displaying a calendar and pencil.

FIG. 9 illustrates crayons with attachments according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an insert according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention when the insert is placed within a frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides for an apparatus and system for a display/memo board. A number of embodiments are described herein, however, the present invention is not to be limited to these specific embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a device 10 is shown. The device includes a frame 16. The frame is preferably a plastic frame with a slot or opening 16 and radius corners. One or more magnets such as the magnetic strips 14 are adhered or otherwise connected to the frame 16. There is a clip 18 to which a marker is attached. There are clips 28 to which no marker is attached. Preferably, each clip is C-shaped and slides onto the corner of the frame and onto the frame track with foam tape facing the front for attaching the marker. Each clip 28 has an adhesive backing for holding the marker to the frame 16 or for mounting the frame 16. The marker 20 has a marker body 22 with opposite ends and a tip (not shown) at one of the ends. There is a marker cap 24 enclosing and protecting the tip. On the opposite end of the marker body 22 is an eraser 26. Preferably the eraser is a round felt eraser. The clips 28 slide onto the frame track with foam tape facing to the back (not shown). This allows the frame to be attached to a wall or door. The frame 16 may be slid out of the clips making the board portable.

There is a transparent material 30, such as an acrylic or hard plastic to provide a plastic writing window. Preferably the material is lucite with a smooth surface on one side and a matte finish on the other. The smooth surface is the writing surface.

Also, there is a picture pocket or pocket or sleeve 32. The pocket or sleeve slides down and through the open slot in the frame. The pocket holds a background image or other image (which can be either a thematic image or a calendar or other) and be viewed through the front of the frame. Once inserted, the pocket can be removed through the same slot for background changes. There is a leading edge or fold on the pocket which is directed down the slot first. The open ends of the pocket or folder trail behind.

The hard plastic window 30 slides down into the frame. It superimposes or overlays itself against the pocket 32 which is directly behind it. Since both are clear, the image or graphics inside the frame are viewable from the outside looking in. The window has a defused characteristic. The back features a textured, matte surface, while the front is smooth. Any image inside the pocket 32 results in a softer visual look because of the texture.

The present invention contemplates that users can take their own personal photographs or images and use them within the device of the present invention. Alternatively, photo backgrounds or other images can be supplied to the customer at the time of purchase or at another time. This allows the memo board to be customized to a particular customer, for a particular occasion, or otherwise. Thus the memo board allows for the display of an image. The present invention, however, contemplates that instead of having the hard plastic window 30 as the outside surface, a writing surface can be placed on the outside with the hard plastic window 30 being internal to the frame 16.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of one embodiment of a frame of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, there are magnetic strips 40 and 42 operatively connected to the frame 16. These magnetic strips 40 and 42 allow the memo board to be attached to a metallic surface such as a refrigerator or a locker. The present invention contemplates that instead of using magnetic strips, adhesive strips could be used, or instead of connecting strips, other structures can be used, however, magnetic strips are preferred. A rear surface 44 of the magnetic board is shown.

FIG. 3 provides a front view of one embodiment of a writing utensil of the present invention. In FIG. 3, a marker 20 is shown with a marker body 22 with an eraser 18 on one end of the marker body 22. A marker cap 24 is also shown. A clip 18 is operatively connected to the marker cap 24. The clip 18 is preferably adhered to the marker cap 24, however, the present invention contemplates that other forms of attachment may be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a frame 16 of the present invention. The frame 16 includes an elongated opening 50. Preferably, the elongated opening 50 is suitable for placing an 8½×11 inch piece of paper into the frame 16. There are retaining members 52 and 54 also present to assist in retaining materials inserted into the elongated opening 50. The retaining members 52 and 54 shown protrude into the elongated opening 50.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate section views of various embodiments of the present invention. The present invention contemplates that the frame 16 can be used in a number of different ways, including as a part of a display board or as a part of a memo board. The present invention allows the frame 16 to be reconfigured with different writing surfaces for different applications. In FIG. 5A, one embodiment of the present invention is shown where paper (including, but not limited to an image insert) is inserted into the frame 16 and then a transparent plastic 60, such as an acrylic sheet is placed over the frame 16 to protect the paper or other writing surface.

FIG. 5B illustrates that instead of using paper, a chalkboard surface 64 can be inserted into the frame 16. In FIG. 5B, a plastic rigid body 60 is placed between the chalkboard surface 64 and the frame 16 to provide additional support. Preferably the plastic rigid body is an acrylic sheet.

FIG. 5C illustrates that a mirrored surface 66 can also be used. The mirrored surface 66 serves as a writing surface for writing utensils such as wet erase markers. FIG. 5D illustrates that that a plastic 60 can be placed between paper 62 and the frame 16. The paper 62 serves as a writing surface that can be used with numerous types of writing utensils including crayons or pencils. The plastic 60 serves as a rigid body to fill the frame 60 and provide support such that the paper 62 can be written upon.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention showing a memo board 70 having a chalkboard surface 64 along with a piece of chalk 72 for writing on the chalkboard surface 64. A clip 28 is also shown in FIG. 7. There is a magnet 76 operatively connected to one side of the clip 28 and an eraser 74 operatively connected to another side of the clip 28. The clip 28 can hold chalk and the magnetic 76 allows the clip to be removeably attached to the chalkboard surface or to the frame.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. A memo board 80 is shown. There is a magnetic 82 attached to the frame 16 of the memo board 80. A pencil 90 having a magnetic 84 is adapted to be removeably connected to the magnet 82 of the frame 16. A calendar 92 is provided so that notes can be written on the calendar 92 with the pencil 90.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a set of crayons 96 is shown. Each crayon 92 is operatively connected to an attachment means such as a magnetic 94. The present invention provides for magnetic strips to be attached to a frame of a memo board so that each of the crayons 92 can be removeably connected to the frame of the memo board. Thus, for example, inserts with pictures to be colored can be placed in a frame on a refrigerator. When needed, the frame can be removed from the refrigerator so that a child can color the pictures. When the child is finished, the child's finished product can be placed on the refrigerator and the crayons can be connected to the frame.

The present invention contemplates numerous variations which need not be specifically set forth herein. The present invention contemplates variations in the shape and configuration of various elements, the materials used, the properties of materials used, or the structure or type of structure used. For example, the present invention contemplates that various writing surfaces can be used, various images can be placed within the frame, various writing utensils can be used, and various writing utensils can be connected to the frame. These and other variations are contemplated and the present invention should in no way be limited by the present disclosure including the claims that follow. 

1. An apparatus for framing a surface, comprising: a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side; an elongated slot within said top of the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the apparatus.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one retaining member extending into the slot.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a rigid body for insertion into the frame to substantially fill the frame.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid body is a transparent plastic.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a mirrored writing surface for insertion into the frame.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a chalk board surface for insertion into the frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a dry erase surface for insertion into the frame.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wet erase surface for insertion into the frame.
 10. A system for a memo board, comprising: a frame having a top, a bottom, a first side and an opposite second side, an elongated slot within the frame for inserting a surface into the frame such that the frame encloses the surface; a magnetic backing operatively connected to the frame for removably connecting the frame to a metallic body; a rigid body disposed within the frame to substantially fill the frame; a writing surface for positioning within the frame; at least one writing utensil associated with the writing surface.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the writing surface is selected from a set consisting of a paper surface, a mirrored surface, a chalk board surface, a dry erase surface, and a wet erase surface.
 12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a second magnetic backing attached to each of the at least one writing utensil.
 13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a clip operatively connected to the frame and one of the at least one writing utensil.
 14. The system of claim 10 wherein the rigid body is a transparent acrylic.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein the writing surface is a paper insert.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the paper insert is preprinted with a calendar.
 17. The system of claim 10 further comprising an insert for inserting into the frame and extending above the top side of the frame when completely inserted into the frame.
 18. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the at least one writing utensil is selected from a set consisting of a pencil, a crayon, a dry erase marker, a wet erase marker, a piece of chalk.
 19. The system of claim 10 further comprising a clip for holding one of the at least one writing utensils.
 20. The system of claim 19 further comprising an eraser attached directly to the clip. 